Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orlando public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in taxes budget
CRA Budget Amendment Two
The council found blight conditions exist in the area slated to join the Downtown Orlando CRA and adopted the 2026 plan amendment. That means future property tax growth in the expanded area will be reinvested downtown. The trust fund ordinance directing those dollars passed first reading and comes back April 20.
Cooling centers and homelessness
A resident living at the Salvation Army shelter urged the city to station an officer at the Christian Service Help Center so people could shelter there instead of being arrested, saying it would save money and reduce the jail cycle.
Historic neighborhood facade grant funding
The CRA's $48.7 million budget passed 6-1, but zero dollars were allocated to facade grants for historic downtown neighborhoods this year. Commissioner Sheehan voted no, arguing neighborhoods like Lake Yola Heights and Thornton Park have paid into the CRA for decades and shouldn't lose this program.
November ballot Amendment 3 and future city revenues
Mayor Dyer warned that Amendment 3 on the November ballot could significantly cut property tax revenues local governments rely on, potentially squeezing the city's ability to fund services. Residents are being urged to learn what's at stake before voting.
$4 Million in Nonprofit and Arts Grant Funding
64 nonprofit, arts, and community service organizations share roughly $4 million in city grants for the coming fiscal year. These groups provide homeless services, mental health support, arts programming, and neighborhood services across Orlando.
City of Orlando FY2026-27 millage rate and budget
The city locked in its $1.88 billion budget without raising the millage rate, funding core services residents depend on. Commissioner Burns flagged road repairs as underfunded at about $8 million and wants repaving prioritized during budget reconciliation.
RISE Employment Program Sunset Concerns
Commissioner Regina Hill urged the council to preserve the RISE job-training program, funded with $2.6 million in federal recovery dollars, as it faces sunset in the upcoming budget.
Property tax homestead exemption amendment on November ballot
A statewide ballot measure would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then move toward full exemption — a potential major hit to city revenue that pays for roads, parks, and services. Commissioners want a public education campaign, noting it's a tax shift, not a tax cut.
Solid Waste, Parking and Wastewater Rate Increases
Three ordinances moving toward new or higher fees for trash collection, parking (hours, fines, enforcement) and sewer service all passed first reading. Public hearings at the next meeting are your chance to weigh in before they're final.
Upcoming consent agenda items
The council briefly confirmed everyone was ready for the regular meeting's consent agenda. Nothing raised a red flag, and no residents asked to speak.
$9.4 Million Purchase of Downtown Parcels
The city is buying the old Triangle Reprographics site near City Hall for $9.4 million to house the Sign and Signal Shop, Sustainability and other departments. InBloom Florist stays as a tenant until at least 2028.